Rahman rule out of Asia Cup with side strain

Bangladesh will be without fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the rest of the Asia Cup, and will be holding thumbs that their premier paceman recovers from his side strain in time for the World Twenty20.

Rahman picked up the injury on Sunday while playing against Sri Lanka, following on from the shoulder injury he had last month. That saw him miss the Pakistan Super League, and the Tigers will fervently hope he recovers quickly.

He has been replaced in the squad by Tamim Iqbal, who had been on paternity leave. Team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan did not specify when Rahman would be able to return.

Khan said: "Mustafiz complained of discomfort after Sunday's match against Sri Lanka. An MRI scan was done today and the report from the radiologist confirmed a Grade 1 side strain on the right.

"He is under conservative treatment and rest for next 48 hours. Following that the rehab will begin. We are expecting that he will make a quick recovery and resume bowling soon."

Rahman has been a massive threat to any batting line up since his arrival on the scene last year, and averages well under 20 with the ball in all formats. In ODI cricket he averages an incredible 12.34.

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